In Singapore, the market for eye drops compatible with contact lenses offers a diverse array of products designed to enhance comfort and alleviate dryness associated with wearing contacts. These solutions cater to varying needs, from daily hydration to soothing irritation, ensuring optimal eye health and comfort for users.
The wide myriad of eye drops available commercially can be confusing at times for consumers because they are overwhelmed with products and simply do not know enough about them to know which are the best choices for their personal needs.
To make things easier, firstly we should look at whether the eye drops have preservatives or are preservative-free. Secondly, we also need to take into account the purpose of the eye drops; are they for contact lens wear or for any occasion?
Contact lens users must only use eye drops which are compatible with lenses, otherwise they are at risk of toxic exposure to harsh chemicals after prolonged usage and exposure. Preservatives help to keep the eye drop solution for longer and extends its shelf life which is why there are eye drops made with preservatives that are safe with lens wear to help. Otherwise, other traditional eye drops with preservatives are not advised with lens wear although they are more affordable.
Any eye drops with preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride (BKC) have been proven to be counter-effective after chronic usage. Additionally, if one were to use drops with BKC while wearing contacts, it can exacerbate symptoms of redness, worsen dryness and even compromise the corneal integrity.
Although there are many contact lens-safe eye drops, there are still limitations to their uses because they still contain preservatives at the end of the day. Usually, it is recommended to only use 3-6 drops per eye daily, depending on the manufacturing instructions. Thus, because of these downsides, preservative-free eye drops are usually the way to go.
Preservative-free eye drops traditionally come in singular ampoules (unidose) which have limited volume per vial. The unidose packaging is what allows the eye drops to be preservative-free; it is hygienic and sterile but this inconveniences users as they may have to carry around multiple strips just for a day out. However, in recent years, design technology has allowed manufacturers to integrate larger volumes into a singular bottle, all whilst keeping the use of preservatives at bay (multidose). This allows for convenience all in a bottle and also saving the excessive use of plastics in production.
Preservative-free eye drops are suitable for anyone of all ages, with and without contact lenses. It is also good quality artificial tears for those with dry eye disease or poor tear quality. It is an all-rounder for people from all walks of life. The choice of unidose or multidose is down to an individual and their own needs.
There are many different brands out in the market, each with their own formulations and infusions of different ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, alginic acid, glycerol and mineral oils to enhance the moisturisation factor and provide symptomatic relief. This can help with longer lasting comfort for users, improved tear film stability over time and even reducing severity of certain ocular conditions such as dry eye disease. It also aides in other aspects like corneal staining and irregularities.
In conclusion, the availability of these diverse eye drops reflects a commitment to meeting the comprehensive needs of contact lens wearers in Singapore. Whether emphasizing convenience, hydration, or comprehensive eye care, each product offers distinct advantages tailored to enhance comfort and support eye health. By following usage guidelines and consulting with eye care professionals, users can confidently select the solution that best meets their individual preferences and requirements.